Jan 27, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18) laughs as he talks to referee Dedric Taylor (21) during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Hand up. If I’m going to be as critical of the Kings as I have been this season, I have to take accountability when I screw up. I didn’t publish the game thread for Tuesday’s loss to the Knicks. I wrote it. I swear I did. I just got distracted by something, forgot to hit publish, and was away from the internet for the rest of the evening. My fault entirely.
But I have taken the necessary time to reflect and read several of Scott Perry’s motivational tweets, and I’m already feeling better about myself. I can do this.
**Who**: Sacramento Kings (12-36) vs. Philadelphia 76ers (25-21)
**Where**: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA
**When**: 5:00 PM PT / 7:00 PM ET
**Watch**: NBCSCA / League Pass
For a moment a couple of weeks back, I feared the Kings were going to start winning too many games to properly tank this season out. But as we stand here today, the Kings have lost 6-straight, and find themselves just one win ahead of the Washington Wizards for the worst record in the league.
I say this with no sarcasm whatsoever, but the game against the Wizards on Sunday in Washington might be the most important game of the year for this organization. Must-lose.
For tonight, the 76ers aren’t a very good basketball team, so the Kings run the risk of winning this if they aren’t careful. But I have faith in this squad. They can find a way to lose.
**Prediction**: Kings 101, 76ers 123.